Exodus 14:11
And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?
Original Language Analysis
הַֽמִבְּלִ֤י
H1097
הַֽמִבְּלִ֤י
Strong's:
H1097
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
לְקַחְתָּ֖נוּ
hast thou taken us away
H3947
לְקַחְתָּ֖נוּ
hast thou taken us away
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
8 of 16
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
לָמ֣וּת
to die
H4191
לָמ֣וּת
to die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
9 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
10 of 16
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָשִׂ֣יתָ
hast thou dealt
H6213
עָשִׂ֣יתָ
hast thou dealt
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Numbers 11:15And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.Numbers 11:1And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
Historical Context
Egypt was famous for elaborate tombs and burial practices. The sarcastic reference to graves emphasizes how fear made slavery seem preferable to current danger—a tragic memory lapse about bondage's reality.
Questions for Reflection
- How quickly do you forget bondage to sin when sanctification's path seems difficult?
- What does irrational preference for familiar slavery over uncertain freedom teach about fear's power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Israel's complaint 'Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness?' uses bitter sarcasm—Egypt had plenty of graves (pyramids!). The accusation against Moses challenges his leadership and questions God's purposes. The phrase 'wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?' shows how quickly gratitude for deliverance turns to accusation under pressure. Fear produces irrational blame.